A father described as “committed” passed away just a short time after emergency responders overlooked critical sepsis indicators and neglected to promptly transport him to a medical facility.
Steve Holbrook-Sishton, a former educator and college instructor, began showing signs of the dangerous condition in October 2021 after contracting Covid shortly following his booster vaccine.
As his health worsened, his wife Jan Holbrook, 70, contacted the NHS 111 helpline when she became increasingly concerned about his sepsis symptoms. However, the ambulance team that arrived more than three hours later failed to identify the condition despite obvious warning signs.
Subsequently, when Steve’s health rapidly deteriorated a few hours later, Jan called emergency services again and was assured an ambulance would arrive within 20 minutes. Unfortunately, the second ambulance was significantly delayed and reached their home in Storrington, West Sussex over two hours later, by which time Steve, aged 67, had already passed away.
Reflecting on the tragic event, Jan expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing Steve’s loving nature and the irreplaceable role he played in their family.
Following a series of medical events, including a high fever and breathing issues post his third Covid vaccine on October 16, Steve’s condition continued to decline. Despite seeking help by contacting the NHS helpline on October 30, delays in ambulance response times hindered Steve’s chances of receiving timely medical attention.
After Steve’s passing, legal action was pursued, leading to the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust acknowledging their failure to provide adequate care. They admitted that had Steve been promptly taken to the hospital and received proper treatment within two hours, his death could have been prevented.
In a sincere letter to Jan, Simon Welder, the Chief Executive of the Ambulance Trust, expressed regret for the mishandling of Steve’s case and pledged to address the shortcomings in their care standards.
Efforts are now underway to reach a settlement between Irwin Mitchell, representing Steve’s family, and the Ambulance Trust. Laura Hayes-Payne, the medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, highlighted the importance of recognizing sepsis early to prevent tragic outcomes like Steve’s.
Symptoms of sepsis, a medical emergency, include slurred speech, confusion, severe shivering, muscle pain, lack of urine output, breathing difficulties, and discolored skin.
This tragic incident underscores the critical need for prompt and accurate medical intervention in cases of sepsis to prevent unnecessary loss of life.
